Oakland A’s put a price on shadow in Sacramento

Many Oakland A’s fans got an email in their inbox Monday morning discussing “brand new” additions to the minor-league stadium they’ll play in from 2025-2027, Sutter Health Park, with an option for the 2028 season. The centerpiece of many of those additions was that there would be temperature-controlled areas or shaded areas, so the team is certainly aware of the concerns people have if they decide to attend a game. Still, it appears those are areas that will also cost a bit more due to the continued use of the words “elevated” and “premium.”

One example is the Solon Club, which according to the Sutter Health Park website already exists. The differences between the actual photo on the website and the AI-generated image included in the email are a fresh coat of paint and two ceiling fans. The general idea is already there, although they may be refurbishing the 45-foot bar area.

The email also brags about the “Legacy Club,” which already exists. It looks like the A’s will be putting up a projector for TV viewing, which seems to be a new addition. The email also brags that this area will be climate controlled, which certainly seems to mean they’re going to charge fans to sit in the air conditioning during those hot Sacramento summers.

The final area mentioned in the email is the “Gilt-Edge Club,” an “open-air, shaded lounge flanked by a green wall on the edge of the outfield.” It looks like they’ll be charging for shade as well. These seats also have a private bar and complimentary house-selected beer and wine. Oh, and there’s a build-your-own hot dog and nacho station!

The funny thing about the “Gilt-Edge Club” is that they didn’t use an AI image. No, just a real photo, because this area already exists. So essentially, a few umbrellas and a table can be added to make hot dogs and nachos.

Fans in Sacramento have every right to go to the games, after all, it is major league baseball and the A’s have a following there. Those who do make the trip to the ballpark are also greeted with a John Fisher level of detail about the fan experience, it seems.